Chiefs Coach Explains Veteran NFL Kicker Signing Despite Major Conduct Suspension

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The Kansas City Chiefs left Seattle with a 20-3 loss on Sunday Night Football, and kicker Harrison Butker missed two field goals in the defeat. Days later, special teams coordinator Dave Toub stepped to the podium to explain a surprising move made inside the kicking room. His answer shed light on the thinking behind it and on how Kansas City hopes to fix a growing problem.

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Dave Toub explains why Chiefs signed Justin Tucker

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub revealed on Thursday that Justin Tucker earned his practice squad spot with a punishing audition. Toub built a workout of 30 field goals, 10 extra points and seven kicks beyond 50 yards, including one from 60. Tucker made every attempt, and about 60 percent of his kicks landed inside a six-foot cylinder between the uprights, according to Toub.

The coordinator also made clear who owns the job. Dave Toub stressed, “Butker is our kicker.” He described the signing as a way to help Harrison Butker get back on track.

Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) warms up in the end zone before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Butker has made 11 of 16 field goals this season, including just 5 of 10 from 40 yards or longer, and he has missed an extra point. Toub said the two kickers have been collaborating in practice, which Kansas City hopes can spark a turnaround.

“I always thought he was a great kicker, and those two guys right now, Harrison and him, they idolized each other in the league when they were kicking together. He was out there, he did his 10-game suspension, so he was available, we brought him in. Dave Toub added. Not only did he make them, he was accurate. …… So, he was off the charts good. That’s the reason why we signed him to the practice squad.”

During a windy practice on Wednesday, Butker reportedly made all 10 of his kicks with Tucker standing behind him.

Justin Tucker’s long road back explains why the signing stirred so much debate.

Justin Tucker lands second chance after year away from the NFL

Tucker spent 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before the team released him in May 2025. Sixteen massage therapists made allegations of inappropriate behavior covering 2012 to 2016, and the NFL suspended him for 10 games under its personal conduct policy. He was reinstated on Nov. 11 and later worked out for teams such as the Saints and Colts, but did not sign.

The Chiefs’ decision drew a strong reaction. ESPN’s Mina Kimes shared a captionless post with a report on the allegations, and the head coach addressed the move on Wednesday.

“He’s done his suspension, you know, and took care of that business there,” Andy Reid said.

On the field, Tucker’s final season in Baltimore was his weakest, with 22 makes on 30 attempts, a career-low 73.3 percent.

Kansas City sits at 5-1 and visits the 5-2 Denver Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. Butker is expected to kick, with Tucker waiting on the practice squad in case the misses continue. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.

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